Day one digest: 2020 Aphrodite Hills Cyprus Showdown

Everything you need to know from Thursday's opening round at Aphrodite Hills Resort.

Robert MacIntyre held the first round lead at the inaugural Aphrodite Hills Cyprus Showdown.

Here is everything you need to know from Thursday's opening round at Aphrodite Hills Resort.

MacIntyre continues good form

Robert MacIntyre was third over this layout in last week's Aphrodite Hills Cyprus showdown, and the Scot was at it again with six birdies as a flawless 65 gave him the first round lead. “I’m delighted,” he said. “Again, I played great golf. A few mishits off the tee, but it’s one of those golf courses where I can open my shoulders a little bit more and give it a little bit extra. I missed a few putts that were still shaving the edges of holes but overall it was a good round of golf.”

Jamie explains it all

Confused by the new format this week? 105 players play two rounds of strokeplay, after which the top 32 and ties have their scores reset before contesting another 18 holes. The top 16 and ties then progress to Sunday's final round, with the scores again reset. If that still doesn't make sense, then luckily Jamie Donaldson and Callum Shinkwin are on hand...

Karlberg supports good cause

Rikard Karlberg fired a five under round to sit one off the lead, but the Swede is also doing his bit to promote men's health issues by sporting a fine moustache in aid of Movember.

Shinkwin's fine form continues – but his luck doesn't

Callum Shinkwin enjoyed a breakthrough win at this venue last week and opened with a three under 68. Safe to say his luck wasn't in at the 18th though, as his approach bounced up twice off the rocks before eventually settling in the water.

Langasque ready to win again

Another recent European Tour winner, France's Romain Langasque, is hoping that his victory at The Celtic Manor Resort can help him get over the line again after joining a seven man group in second on five under. "Even before I won I was in the mentality that I take round after round and shot after shot, I try to be the best player on every shot," he said. "The win (in Wales) didn’t change anything really, but it would change at a tournament if I’m in position towards the end because I know I can do it, and it’s important to know that you can do it. On Sunday it can help me, but tomorrow and Saturday will be the same as normal."